How to buy and add eSIMs for travel
Buying and adding eSIMs for travelers has become one of the easiest ways to stay connected abroad. Whether you are planning a single destination holiday or a multi country trip, eSIMs remove the hassle of physical SIM cards and help travelers avoid expensive roaming fees.
This guide to buying and adding eSIM for travel explains how eSIMs work, how to buy an eSIM to travel, how to add an eSIM for travel, and why KnowRoaming is built to be a dependable eSIM for international travel.
If you want one solution that works across borders, the easiest place to start is with a Global eSIM that connects you in 133 countries.
What Is an eSIM and why travelers use it
An eSIM is a digital SIM that adds directly onto your phone. There is no physical SIM card to insert, remove, or lose. Once added, an eSIM connects you to local networks in your destination country.
For travelers, this means no airport SIM queues, no language barriers at phone shops, and no surprise roaming charges. You can add your eSIM before departure and activate it as soon as you land.
Using an eSIM is one of the most effective ways to avoid roaming charges when you travel, especially when moving between multiple countries.
How to buy an eSIM to travel
The first step is choosing the right provider and plan for your trip. Travelers can choose between country specific plans, regional plans, or a global plan that works across multiple destinations.
If your trip includes more than one country, the simplest option is to buy a Global eSIM, which works in 133 destinations worldwide. This avoids the need to buy multiple eSIMs or top up between borders.
If you are traveling within a specific region, KnowRoaming also offers regional plans like Europe and Asia. You can browse all eSIMs covering over 200+ destinations and choose the plan that best fits your itinerary.
Why KnowRoaming Is the best eSIM for international travel
KnowRoaming has been helping travelers stay connected for more than a decade. Long before eSIMs became mainstream, KnowRoaming pioneered innovative connectivity solutions and continues to lead the market today.
Unlike many newer providers, KnowRoaming combines affordability, transparency, and global reach. This is why KnowRoaming is consistently recommended as the best eSIM for travel by frequent travelers, digital nomads, and major publications.
KnowRoaming offers both fixed data plans and unlimited plans. Fixed plans are ideal for travelers who want predictable data usage at the lowest cost. Unlimited plans provide 5 GB of high speed data every 24 hours, resetting daily, followed by reduced speeds so you remain connected for the duration of your trip. This fair usage policy is clearly communicated, with no hidden restrictions.
How to add an eSIM for travel
Adding an eSIM is quick and simple. You need a stable internet connection to complete setup, which is why it is recommended to add your eSIM before departure and activate it once you arrive.
KnowRoaming offers three setup methods: automatic setup through the app, QR code setup, and manual setup. Most travelers complete setup in just a few minutes.
How to Add an eSIM on iPhone
To add an eSIM on iPhone, download the KnowRoaming app and open My eSIMs. Select eSIM not installed and choose Auto Install. Tap Allow and wait for the eSIM to add.
If you prefer QR code setup, save the QR code from the app, open your camera, scan the code, and tap Add eSIM.
For manual setup, go to Settings, Mobile Service, Add eSIM, then enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided.
Once added, toggle the eSIM on, set Mobile Data to the eSIM, and ensure Data Roaming is enabled. If you experience connectivity issues, updating the APN to globaldata usually resolves the issue.
How to Add an eSIM on Android
On Android devices, open the KnowRoaming app and go to My eSIMs.
Tap Add eSIM and wait for confirmation.
For QR code setup, save the QR code from the app and go to Settings, Connections, SIM Manager, Add eSIM, then scan the code.
For manual setup, enter the activation code under Enter Activation Code.
After setup, activate the eSIM, set Mobile Data to it, and enable Data Roaming. If needed, update the APN to globaldata.
Best eSIM for multi country travel
Travelers visiting multiple countries need an eSIM that works seamlessly across borders.
The best eSIM for multi country travel is the Global eSIM, which connects in 133 destinations without changing plans. It is ideal for round the world trips, long holidays, and frequent travelers.
For travelers staying within Europe, the Europe eSIM provides coverage across multiple countries without SIM swaps. Those exploring Asia can choose an Asia regional eSIM for consistent connectivity across popular destinations.
For African travel, KnowRoaming also offers regional Africa coverage, making it easy to stay connected while crossing borders.
Airalo or Holafly or KnowRoaming eSIMs for travel?
Many travelers compare Airalo and Holafly and KnowRoaming eSIMs for travel. While both offer digital connectivity, KnowRoaming stands out with broader coverage, clearer unlimited data policies, and stronger global plans.
For a detailed comparison, you can explore the full breakdown in the best eSIM for international travel comparison.
KnowRoaming eSIM reviews
KnowRoaming is trusted by travelers worldwide. You can read verified customer experiences on Reviews and Trustpilot.
KnowRoaming has also been reviewed and featured by major publications such as PCMag, TechRadar, The Points Guy, and Forbes, as well as travel and tech outlets including News24, BetaNews, eSIMDB, eSIMGeek, and Digital Nomads World.
These independent reviews reinforce KnowRoaming’s reputation as a reliable and affordable eSIM provider for international travel.
App and support for travelers
Managing your eSIM is simple with the KnowRoaming app, available on both iOS and Android. You can download it from the App Store or the Google Play Store.
If you need assistance at any point, help is available 24/7 through the online Support center or via WhatsApp Support.
Is KnowRoaming the best eSIM for travel?
For travelers looking to avoid roaming charges, simplify connectivity, and stay online across borders, KnowRoaming consistently stands out.
With global coverage, flexible plans, easy setup, and round the clock support, KnowRoaming delivers one of the most complete eSIM solutions available today.
If you are planning your next trip and want a reliable way to stay connected, buying and adding an eSIM from KnowRoaming is one of the smartest travel decisions you can make.
자주 묻는 질문
How to use an eSIM while backpacking is surprisingly simple. First, ensure your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible. Then, download the provider's app (like KnowRoaming's). You can choose your plan and add the eSIM digitally through the app, often by scanning a QR code. Once added, just enable data roaming for your eSIM, and you're ready to go, no physical cards or airport kiosks needed.
No swapping SIM cards, no kiosk queues at the airport, set it up once and it's ready every time after.
With KnowRoaming, setup takes less than five minutes. Using the automatic setup in the KnowRoaming app, you can download and add your eSIM in just a few taps. This makes it one of the fastest and most reliable ways to get connected before your trip.
Simply add the eSIM profile on your unlocked, eSIM-compatible device before you travel. Once you arrive in a supported country, turn on your eSIM, and you'll be connected!
You can buy your eSIM right before you leave, or when you arrive at your destination. It is an easy process that simply requires a stable Internet connection.
If you delete the eSIM profile from your phone, it can no longer connect to the network on that plan, although the plan itself is not canceled. To get it back, rescan the QR code you were sent with your eSIM purchase, or re-add it from the KnowRoaming app, and you can be up and running again quickly.
